Post-Use Maintenance Management of Rock Drilling Rods
After drilling operations are completed, drill rods should be placed on storage racks by category—separated by specification, wall thickness, hole size, steel grade, and quality class—to prevent mixed stacking.
Next, promptly clean the inner and outer rod surfaces, thread connections, and shoulder sealing faces with clean water, thoroughly removing drilling fluid, mud, sand, and other residues. After washing, dry the rods completely to prevent corrosion caused by residual moisture.
Once cleaned and dried, perform a full inspection of each rod, focusing on the following:
Cracks or scratches on the rod surface
Thread integrity, including damage or deformation
Localized wear on tool joints
Flatness and wear condition of shoulder sealing faces
Bending or bite marks on the rod body
Corrosion, pitting, or surface deterioration on inner and outer walls
To reduce failures such as thread breakage and rod leakage, non-destructive testing should also be carried out, including ultrasonic testing and magnetic particle inspection, to ensure no hidden defects remain.
For rods confirmed to be in good condition, apply anti-rust oil to thread areas and shoulder sealing faces for protective sealing during storage. At the worksite, mark each rod with paint to indicate key information such as specification and steel grade, and store by category to prevent misuse.
Rods that are damaged or require repair/replacement must be clearly marked and isolated for separate storage, then repaired or replaced promptly to avoid affecting subsequent construction quality or schedule.
If rods must be stored outdoors for a long period, set up rainproof and waterproof shelters, implement moisture protection, and conduct regular corrosion checks on both inner and outer surfaces. Reapply anti-rust oil as needed and maintain routine anti-moisture and anti-corrosion measures to extend storage life and preserve reuse value.
